Quite a number of things as no MIS supplier is the same as the next:

1.1.        Support:            We take this very seriously. Our ability to respond and add value to our customers is critical to our mutual success. The more you ask of us, the more we can help you take advantage of some powerful tools to transform your business. With primary support in NZ, Australia and a large secondary support team in the UK – we know our resources and our attitude about this very key part of the relationship sets us apart.

1.2.        Experience:       TharsternSQL^TM has had 25 years of extensive development, making it a diverse, mature and scalable solution that is actually easy to use. We are confident that our solutions are so favourably recognised because we have grown up with our customers; we have moved as rapidly as the technology in this industry has and we are always responsive to creating innovative benefits to users. These aren’t just words, they are our core values.

1.3.        Technology:      Most people aren’t particularly interested in how we do it but we love it when they are. Some of the more exciting companies we meet are those who don’t want to start the conversation by seeing the software in action; they want their IT consultant to get access to the table structure of TharsternSQL^TM first to see how it is ‘built’.

Individuals who lift the bonnet like this first see very clearly why MIS and e-Commerce products vary so greatly.

For the end user, this does have significant repercussions as 'cleaner system architecture' means easier installs; easier reporting and easier upgrades. And 'easier' is cheaper. The total cost of ownership of other solutions can be steep but users usually don’t find that out until it is too late.

1.4.        Functionality:    There are so many facets to the overall TharsternSQL^TM solution we find ourselves in environments where we know the competitors don’t have a strong offering over such a broad range of requirements. This is with printers who have extensive logistics requirements; printers with niche requirements; Corporate organisations who manage their own print; print management companies who need a simplified version of standing industry tools; universities who have niche requirements that escalates with the availability of new technologies.

For further information refer to our Why Choose TharsternSQL page.

We know that choosing an MIS is a critical business solution and from the outset it can be daunting. Some of the questions you might want to put on your list are:

-        Who is the MIS provider?
i.e. Who is the company; their history; their reputation; the people; access to knowledgeable, experienced individuals; their ability to support you to a high standard.

-        What kind of development has gone into the product?

-        What input do users have into what the software provides?
A solution for one is often a solution for many so the larger the user base, the richer the end product is likely to be.

-        What is their track record for support?
Ask around; talk to users and absolutely talk to as many as you can. They are one of your best sources of information.

-        What is the ease of use if I am a small company; large company; multi-site company; niche printer?

-        Does the system reflect what you consider to be a logical workflow?
It should emulate (but enrich) what you already do in your business: taking the thinking out of the head of an individual and the actions off the hands of a team – and encapsulating it into a solution that means no one is indispensible and time has been significantly freed up.

-        How can it cut down on manual processes?

-        Creating Estimates?

-        Creating Quote Letters? (And tracking responses to quotes).

-        Creating Job Bags or Job Tickets?

-        Ensuring Job Bag information is correct, potentially through onscreen electronic job bags?

-        What level of automation does it have?

-        Improved invoicing processes and shortened end-of-month procedures?

-        What is the reporting like? Paper? Onscreen? Real-time? How easy is it to access and to modify?
Know what is happening now, in real-time and react appropriately. Building up a database means you can look ahead and forecast business trends accurately if you have the tools.

-        How much is it going to cost to:

-        Install: including downtime; input of data; creating the reports you’ll need from day one;

-        Maintain: maintenance fees but most especially what it is going to take to keep the system as an accurate reflection of your business. What is it going to mean when you upgrade (time/cost)?

-        How are you going to recoup the financial benefits of implementing an MIS in both hard and soft costs?

-        Is the cost of the MIS and the cost of change quantifiable value for money?

-        Will it really mean that you can do more with less?

-        What impact will the MIS have on your customers?

-        What impact will the MIS have on your ability to compete more effectively in the market?

-        How will it improve production and how will it give you the tools to identify and address bottlenecks?

-        What trends are there regarding the attitude of MIS by others in the industry?

-        How can I learn from another company’s experiences in making their choices, the implementation and the outcome?

-        If I were to sell my business, how is this system going to benefit me?

-        If I were going to retire, how is this system going to benefit me?

-        How scalable is the solution: not just users, but adding functionality and integrating with other products?
You should be a position where an identified requirement can be quickly and cost-effectively addressed without having to build something from the ground up.

-        If I chose to install this MIS tomorrow – what is the likelihood of knowing I made the right decision in a year, two years and ten years time?

 

1.1.        Size:                    This is a common misconception. We have sites that have one user and sites that have hundreds of users. This is certainly one area where TharsternSQL^TM excels: we can accommodate sites of many various work-types, SMALL and large, without compromise.

1.2.        Fit for Purpose:We don’t believe in technology for technology-sake. We make sure our users are working in areas of the system that will actively benefit them. If you read some of our Customers' comments on the home page, you’ll see that they refer to easily and competently using aspects of the solution for immediate needs and growing into it. You can venture more and more into the functionality as your needs require.

1.3.        Flexibility:         Remember that TharsternSQL^TM has undergone extensive and intensive development over 25+ years. Tharstern has had a long time to get a lot of things ‘right’ with the system based on user experience and user feedback.

Our Customers aren’t forced into only one way of doing things. The solution is customisable and there are many options to make sure that what you buy will fit your business perfectly; but more importantly, you can feel confident that that will be the case in the years to come.

Absolutely. You can add functionality as you need it. There are a quite number of options available. Ask us what they are.

The system is very modular; your price is based on the number of users and functionality required. We also have a hosted solution (Print IQ^TM) for smaller businesses with prices starting at $100 per month and no need for special hardware, just an internet connection.

1.1.        Print IQ^TM:        Yes we do, the module will allow non-print personnel to create their own estimates based on your specific rates/plant and resources. It’s called Print IQ^TM and it is a third-party product developed to integrate to the standard TharsternSQL^TM database.

1.2.        Quick Quotes:   The other method we have for automated estimates is for customers (and your own sales team) to generate quotes through e4print. Using the e4print Quick Quotes module, the customer answers a number of pre-defined questions, effectively describing the job and in turn narrowing down the estimating components within the TharsternSQL^TM database. This return a 100% accurate quote based on your rates, their discounts, the product type and any number of quantities they may wish to enter.

1.3.                                   IN DEVELOPMENT. At IPEX 2010, Tharstern UK previewed 'Advanced Estimating': Tharstern's own smart estimating solution currently in development and fully integrated into the TharsternSQL modules. Release date to be advised.

It is a modular solution that is sold either in a ‘suite’ of like modules. The licensing models are for concurrent users; terminal licenses; number of connections.

1.1.        Concurrent Licensing:    This refers to the total number of the users on the system at one time. TharsternSQL^TM may be installed on five machines, but if you have a three user system only three of those will be able to access the system at the same time.

1.2.        Terminal Licensing:         This refers to the number of PCs/Macs/terminals that are running the module.

1.3.        Connections:                    This refers to the number of different items/products that TharsternSQL^TM may be interacting with.

 

 

TharsternSQLTM	Modules	Concurrent	Terminal	Connections
The Commercials Suite	Estimating	x
	Job Costing	x
	Purchase Order Processing	x
	Raw Material Stock Control	x
The Fulfilment Suite	Sales Order Processing with Forms Management	x
	Warehousing and Kitting (Stock Extra / Bill of Materials)	x
	Barcode Stock Control			x
The Production Suite	Production Scheduling	x
	Shop Floor Intranet Data Capture		x
	JDF Workflow Connector			x
Outsourcing Suite	Print Management	x
e-Commerce Suite	Tracking and Reporting	n/a
	Quick Quotes	n/a
	Requests	n/a
	Variable Data	n/a
	Sales Online	n/a

For further information refer to our Modular Solution page.

Tharstern UK created the e-Commerce solution e4print; it is not a 3third party product. As such you can rest assured that the integration with the MIS is both extensive and complete. What we do use as embedded functionality within e4print is a third party product to generate artwork online but this is fully integrated into our solution. Depending upon which version of e4print used, it is either PDFLib+PDi or web4print.

1.1.        Tharstern New Zealand is privately owned by the New Zealand Directors of the company.

1.2.        Tharstern Australia is privately owned by Tharstern New Zealand Directors and also our Australian Director.

1.3.        Tharstern International Limited in the UK is privately owned by a successful entrepreneur who has ventures in a number of industries. The company is managed by individuals who have extensive industry experience

For further information refer to our Who is Tharstern page.

Tharstern began operating as an MIS supplier in 1984. It is one of the largest the most popular MIS suppliers in the UK and has customers from Canada to Crete; Invercargill to Inverness. Despite some challenging times for all industries, Tharstern continues to grow its customer base at steady rate each year. You can rest assured knowing that Tharstern will be around for a long time to come.

Tharstern is one of the largest MIS developers worldwide with our solutions used by over 800 companies which is approximately 7,000 individual users of the solution. Our customer numbers are not inflated by acquisition of other software companies but are the result of the sign-up of over 800 TharsternSQL native sites over 25+ years.

TharsternSQL^TM is used in environments of many work types including sheet fed, reel label, web offset, screen printing, digital, wide format digital, flexo, print management, prepress, packing and logistics. Each work type is catered for with screens and functionality unique to those processes and they are designed so one work type is not compromised over another.

The most important work is done upfront, with the actual format varying from one company to another. The more we know about your company and your processes – the better suited the system will be from the outset.

1.1.        The challenge is to disclose enough information so you understand what the system is capable of. Sometimes this will involve a number of workshops with various members of your team so they can tell us about their particular roles and we can narrow requirements down to departments. Identifying key personnel is critical to the project success. This includes a Project Manager from your site. They will receive some detailed training so they are familiar with TharsternSQL^TM

1.2.        The implementation plan is built together and includes the processes both parties need to undertake to kick the project off including actions; individual responsibilities; timeframes and agreed milestones.

1.3.        We supply a Pre-Installation Data Collection document to streamline the process. This has screen grabs of the system and walks you through the data we need to setup the system in the first week.

1.4.        The first week of the implementation is the most intensive for the Project Manager from both companies. The system is setup with rates; staff information; resource information; products etc so that by the end of the week we are generating estimates to compare to your incumbent system, or the processes the MIS is replacing.

1.5.        Thereafter the implementation is scheduled in stages. We know that 99% of users can’t dedicate a person full time to an installation and you still have a business to run. However, the uptake of new information needs to be managed effectively so as not to overload individuals with too much information too soon.

1.6.        For each module, a go-live date is set so realistic goals can be achieved. This is a logical and sequential process.

1.7.        Once all modules have been signed off for an individual go-live – we have a system-wide go-live at which time, all previous solutions are no longer required and all jobs in the plant are handled by TharsternSQL^TM with a clean month of accounting from the system as well.

If you would like to discuss the structure of an implementation: please ask us.

The software itself resides on a PC server, but the users can be either PC or Mac based. For an up-to-date specification of the minimum requirements, please drop us an email.

1.1.        Tharstern is a leader in JDF technology, just ask our vendor partners such as Heidelberg, Komori, Kodak, Agfa and Screen. We have live sites in Australia running JDF/JMF solutions. What's more, our solutions are as close to plug and play as is possible, they usually only take a week to install so no more waiting months for your MIS vendor to work on your unique solution.

1.2.        Whether you can use it with your existing workflow will depend upon the interface you have; it’s version and whether it is JDF capable.

For further information refer to our JDF Workflow Connector page.

Yes it does, we have a number of customers who use TharsternSQL^TM in their Mac environment, either hosted remotely or using a PC based local server.

Yes, you can. TharsternSQL^TM can be accessed using Citrix XenApp. Ask us for more information as we can offer hosting services for your environment.

No, not at all. We don’t trim enough out of a small system to force you into any decisions later on. A Commercials License is as fully functional for a small site as it is for the largest site.

1.1.        Major Releases:                   Tharstern UK have a major release approximately every two years. This release is occasionally referred to as a new version and is packed with new features, functionality and occasionally, new modules.

1.2.        Intermediary Releases:       However, there are intermediary releases (half versions, i.e. version 3.5) which will be the stepping stones to a major release but also including new functionality and improvements.

1.3.        Version Builds:                     Additionally, Tharstern regularly release ‘builds’ of the software (i.e. version 3.5.142) which will have improvements that they want to push out to users on a regular basis.

 

1.1.        Occasionally they are, yes. However it is important to stress that although the software sometimes presents an anomaly, they are rare and we are proud to have an exceptional reputation when it comes to the minimal number issues users experience. This is backed by our ability to react quickly when issues are identified.  

1.2.        Add to this: our fixes are not ‘bandaids’ to a problem which means that they won’t manifest problems in some other way later on. The technical team locate the source of the issue and fix it from the ground up.

1.1.        Quite a lot actually. Aside from the usual free phone support that you would expect, Tharstern is at the forefront of MIS development so as new functionality is released, it is offered to users at no cost apart from any time it may take us to upgrade your system and show you the new features.

1.2.        You have access to skilled individuals at the end of the phone, or email, who can access your database and look at exactly the same problem you are experiencing. Secure access to your system means issue identification is swift and answers are usually provided on the spot.

Yes. There are a number of ways of accessing the MIS from a remote location with this becoming an increasingly common way of using the software. Imagine being able to review your sales or production reports when you are out of the office, no matter where you are in the world, on a computer or from a PDA phone? This is especially useful to business owners who are trying to withdraw from the business and for multi-site organisations you need to monitor the activity of various plants and branches.

1.1.        Tharstern is a best of breed solution provider which means we do what we do best and works with those of a similar creed. There are a number of very good accounting packages available so why try to recreate them or shove everyone into the same box? What we do instead is integrate into a number of popular packages so that you can use the most appropriate product for you environment. 

1.2.        There are two levels of integration: seamless and batched.

Seamless integration means that TharsternSQL^TM is polling the accounts package for information such as credit limit/credit stop and change of customer or supplier details. TharsternSQL^TM is also pushing information into this accounts package such as invoice information down to a detailed GL level if required. All this is happening automatically in the background.

Batched integration means that TharsternSQL^TM will create the information you want in your accounts package in batches, allowing you to check and post it through manually.

For further information refer to our Accounts Link page.

Yes. TharsternSQL^TM has seamless integration links to Goldmine and Sage CRM (in markets where Sage CRM is supported).

For further information refer to our Customer Relationship Management page.

1.1.        TharsternSQL^TM ships with over 80 standard reports based on the modules purchased. These reports use an embedded version of a world-leader in reporting solutions, Crystal Reports (previously owned by Business Objects, now owned by SAP). By using Crystal Reports Writer, an off the shelf report writing tool easily purchased from any number of suppliers worldwide, our customers can easily modify their own documents and reports, or they can easily create new ones.

1.2.        If that’s not what you’re interested in spending your time doing – email them to us and we’ll do it for you.

For further information refer to our Crystal Reports page.

TharsternSQL^TM uses Microsoft tools for its search and filters so it looks at information down to a database level, retrieving information in micro-seconds. You can save preferred searches (filters) and even access them from a drop down menu at the bottom of the screen.

No, never. TharsternSQL^TM uses SQL server. The methods for storing information (and the cheap cost of disc space) means you will never need to archive or purge information.

Yes, TharsternSQL^TM has some very specific tools for creating Outwork purchase orders using system automation as well as methods of tracking them. You have a number of options in this area.

Yes, TharsternSQL^TM has some very specific tools for tracking Out on Proof. You have a number of options in this area.

So long as you have that backup – it is achievable within minutes (or less). Databases can also be conveniently backed up to USB keys so you can conveniently take it offsite.

Some data can be exported and used from other solutions but this is dependent on what that solutions ability to export usable information.

You are able to import standard CSV files into Tharstern, so as long as the file is in the correct format, you can import any supplier’s pricelist. (Remember, garbage in is garbage out).

Certainly, we offer this as a service as well.